Newham-based Scot Frankie Monkhouse is preparing for his sixth professional contest at the famous York Hall in Bethnal Green on Saturday March 8, with the talented light-welterweight aiming to continue his impressive start to life as a prize fighter.

Born in Greenock, but now training out of Poplar’s Lansbury Boxing Club under the guidance of experienced coach Alec Wilkey, Monkhouse returns to the ring for the first time since out-pointing tough Yorkshire man Graham Fearn in November last year at the same East London venue.

Despite the one-sided nature of the 40-36 win over the durable Fearn, 29-year-old Monkhouse suffered a nasty gash above his left eye due to a clash of heads in the third round, a wound that resulted in him receiving seven stitches.

But Monkhouse is confident there will be no comebacks from that injury as he prepares to do battle in an international contest with Slovakian scrapper Lubos Priehradnik.

“The cut sustained in my last fight was a bit of a shock”, said Monkhouse. “But it was another test for me and another that I think I came through well.

“You can’t prepare for situations like that but I kept my composure despite blood running into my eye, stuck to my boxing and got the job done.

“I received stitches straight after the fight and the doctor did a fantastic job so it’s healed well. I’m good to go on March 8 and hopefully continue building my winning record.”

Monkhouse, sponsored by sports betting community OLBG, faces his toughest test to date against an opponent with three early knock-outs already on his record.

And he has been putting in the work needed to ensure he comes out of it victorious at a venue he has always admired.

“It’s great to be back at the York Hall,” added Monkhouse. “It’s the home of British boxing and attracts a real knowledgeable crowd.

“There’s a big support travelling down from Scotland to back me and they’ll create a special atmosphere and ensure they don’t go unnoticed.

“This will be my first six-round contest and represents a real progression in my career, against a fighter who boxed for a title last time out, so I’ve been training extra hard for this one.

“He’s game and loves to fight but I’m not shy myself, so I expect sparks to fly from the first bell. I’ll be aiming to take him out.”

Monkhouse travelled to Spain for a warm weather training camp at the start of the year and has been working with trainer Alex Wilkey at Lansbury.

He added: “I’ve been getting great sparring and working on a lot of new things with Alec so my preparation couldn’t have gone any better. I’m confident it’s all going to pay-off come fight night.”

Frankie Monkhouse features on the Goodwin Promoted ‘Saints and Sinners’ show at York Hall.

A total of 17 professional contests are scheduled, including title fights and some of the UK’s most talented prospects.

Tickets priced at £35 standard, £60 ringside and £100 VIP including a free bar, can be purchased by calling 07939 316898 or via the website ww.fightingtips.co.uk/boxing_tickets_boxoffice.html.